Press & Media

Crust Pizza Co. is rapidly emerging as a top franchise opportunity in the restaurant industry. With its unique blend of an exceptional guest experience, innovative technology and comprehensive franchisee support, Crust is positioning itself as a leader in the competitive pizza market. 1851 Franchise spoke with CEO Carl Comeaux to learn more about how Crust offers a superior franchise opportunity for those looking to invest in the restaurant business.

Crust is redefining what it means to dine out with its unique guest experience, making it a standout in the competitive pizza market. 

“It’s a solid brand name with a limited service model, providing a better service and a better experience than your typical fast-casual pizza place,” said Comeaux. 

Each Crust location is designed to be more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where families and friends can gather and enjoy themselves. The 2,200 square foot spaces, which often feature a patio where kids can play, combine an inviting atmosphere with dim lighting, industrial ceilings and warm, cozy colors. 

“It’s a cool vibe,” Comeaux said.

The quality of Crust’s pizza is another key element of its success. 

“Our products are award-winning,” said Comeaux. “In every community we enter, we become the best pizza in town.” 

This excellence is achieved by using only the freshest ingredients: produce delivered daily, proprietary cheese that’s shredded in-house and dough made fresh every day. The beloved pizzeria is also known to give families with young children a ball of fresh pizza dough to play with while they wait for their food, which is a big hit for little ones. 

Another way the brand goes above and beyond in creating the ultimate customer experience? Free desserts.

“We try to pinpoint three to five families a day per location and give them a free dessert. We like to surprise them, and it’s a little thing that we can do that goes a long way,” said Comeaux. 

A great customer experience leads to increased customer loyalty, which in turn results in higher revenue for franchisees.

Innovation is at the heart of Crust’s operations, particularly in how the company leverages technology to enhance efficiency and profitability for its franchisees. Unlike many brands that rely on disjointed third-party tech solutions, Crust has developed an integrated technology stack. 

“We made the decision to put all technology in-house,” said Comeaux. “Our POS system, inventory management, scheduling, payroll, loyalty programs and onboarding development are all under one roof.” 

This cohesive system allows for seamless operations and quick resolution of issues, which is crucial as franchisees scale their portfolios. Crust’s tech stack supports a smoother and more efficient business operation.

Crust’s commitment to its franchisees extends beyond technology; it’s evident in the robust support system the brand has built. 

“We’ve hired the best in the franchise industry to help us grow,” said Comeaux. 

Crust Pizza’s comprehensive support includes a franchise business consultant who conducts quarterly restaurant inspections, ensuring that each location meets the brand’s high standards. Franchisees benefit from monthly reviews of their P&Ls, as well as regular meetings to discuss goals with other franchisees and managers. Additionally, Crust’s marketing and development teams assist with every step of the process, from finding the right locations and signing leases to overseeing construction, recruitment, training and local marketing strategies. 

“Our main goal is to have 200 locations by 2033,” said Comeaux, and with this level of support, Crust is well on its way to achieving it.

With its strong focus on guest satisfaction, innovative operations and unwavering support for franchisees, Crust is more than just a franchise — it’s a recipe for success. As the brand continues to expand, particularly in the Southeast U.S., it offers a prime opportunity for franchisees to grow alongside a company that prioritizes quality and profitability.